Southern Derby Drama: RCB’s Breakthrough Victory Stuns CSK Faithful

The M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was electric on March 28, 2025, as Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 8 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The “Southern Derby” lived up to its reputation as a high-octane clash, with RCB delivering a stunning 50-run victory to end their 17-year drought at Chepauk—a result that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world.

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and chose to bowl, aiming to exploit the spin-friendly Chepauk pitch and hoping dew would ease the chase later. RCB’s openers, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli, took guard under pressure, facing CSK’s disciplined attack led by Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande. Salt ignited the innings with a blistering 32 off 16 balls, smashing five boundaries before Noor Ahmad dismissed him with a brilliant return catch in the fifth over. Kohli, playing a composed 31 off 30, anchored the innings, setting the stage for captain Rajat Patidar’s game-changing knock.

Patidar’s 51 off 32 balls, packed with four fours and three sixes, dismantled CSK’s spinners, particularly Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. A dropped catch by Deshpande at deep midwicket proved pivotal, allowing Patidar to steer RCB toward a daunting total. Noor Ahmad, CSK’s standout bowler with 3/36, removed Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, but RCB’s middle order kept the momentum. Cameron Green’s 18 off 12 provided stability, while Tim David’s unbeaten 22 off 8 balls—including three consecutive sixes off Chahar in the final over—pushed RCB to a formidable 196/7. Chahar’s 48 runs in four overs reflected CSK’s struggle to contain the late surge.

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CSK’s chase began on a disastrous note. Josh Hazlewood struck twice in the second over, dismissing Rahul Tripathi (4) and Gaikwad (2), leaving CSK at 8/2. The Chepauk crowd fell silent as Rachin Ravindra, promoted to number three, fought back with a stylish 41 off 24 balls, including six fours and a six. His fluent strokeplay offered hope, but RCB’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Yash Dayal’s pinpoint accuracy accounted for Shivam Dube (12) and Sameer Rizvi (8), reducing CSK to 67/4 by the ninth over. Liam Livingstone’s off-spin bamboozled Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, finishing with 2/28, while Karn Sharma’s tight lines further choked the run flow.

With the required rate climbing, Jadeja (15 off 18) and Ashwin (10 off 14) struggled to accelerate, exposing CSK’s middle-order frailties. The atmosphere shifted when MS Dhoni walked out at 102/6, greeted by a deafening roar. At 43, Dhoni turned back the clock, smashing 30 not out off 16 balls, including two sixes and a four. His iconic helicopter shot off Dayal in the 18th over sent fans into a frenzy, but the target was out of reach. CSK finished at 146/8, with Hazlewood’s 3/21 and Dayal’s 2/18 sealing RCB’s dominance.

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RCB’s historic win their first at Chepauk since 2008 marked a turning point, propelling them to the top of the IPL 2025 points table with a healthy net run rate. For CSK, the loss highlighted batting vulnerabilities, particularly against pace, dropping them to seventh. Gaikwad later admitted that fielding lapses, including Patidar’s dropped catches, and a misjudged par score of 170 cost them dearly. Patidar, named Player of the Match, hailed his team’s intent and adaptability on a tricky surface.

As the dust settled, the Chepauk crowd lingered, applauding Dhoni’s cameo-a reminder of his unmatched legacy. RCB’s players soaked in the moment, having conquered one of cricket’s toughest fortresses. The Southern Derby had delivered yet again: a spectacle of skill, drama, and history-making moments that will linger in fans’ minds. For those eager to stay connected to the IPL’s pulse, World777 offers a gateway to amplify the excitement, ensuring every match feels like a front-row experience.